Pulmonary Function Testing
Workplace exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes, and other airborne hazards can affect an employee's respiratory health over time. Pulmonary function testing helps employers monitor lung function, meet applicable workplace health requirements, and identify changes that may require further evaluation.
Patient Plus Urgent Care provides occupational pulmonary function testing for employers as part of our comprehensive occupational medicine services.
What is Pulmonary Function Testing?
Pulmonary function testing (PFT) evaluates how well the lungs are working. One of the most common types of pulmonary function testing used in occupational health is spirometry, a breathing test that measures how much air a person can move in and out of their lungs and how quickly they can exhale.
Spirometry can be used to establish an employee's baseline lung function and monitor for changes over time, particularly when employees work in environments where respiratory hazards may be present.
When is Pulmonary Function Testing Needed?
Depending on the employee's job duties and potential workplace exposures, pulmonary function testing may be used as part of a pre-employment evaluation, respiratory protection program, or ongoing medical surveillance program.
Testing may be appropriate for employees who:
- Work around dust, fumes, chemicals, vapors, or other airborne contaminants
- Perform jobs with potential exposure to substances known to affect respiratory health
- Work in environments subject to specific OSHA medical surveillance requirements
- Perform physically demanding work where respiratory function is an important consideration
- Require additional evaluation as part of a respirator medical clearance
- Participate in an employer's ongoing respiratory health surveillance program
Certain OSHA standards require spirometry for workers with specific occupational exposures. Testing requirements vary depending on the workplace, exposure, and applicable regulation.
Why Do Employers Use Pulmonary Function Testing?
Pulmonary function testing can provide a baseline measurement of an employee's respiratory function before certain workplace exposures begin. When testing is repeated over time, results can help identify changes in lung function that may warrant additional medical evaluation.
For employers, an occupational respiratory surveillance program can help:
- Establish baseline lung function
- Monitor respiratory health over time
- Identify potential changes in lung function
- Support compliance with applicable OSHA requirements
- Evaluate the effectiveness of workplace respiratory protections
- Protect employees working around respiratory hazards
What Happens During a Pulmonary Function Test?
Pulmonary function testing is non-invasive and typically takes only a short time to complete.
During spirometry, the employee breathes into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The employee will be coached through a series of breathing maneuvers to accurately measure lung function.
The test commonly measures:
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after taking a full breath
- Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1): The amount of air exhaled during the first second of the test
- FEV1/FVC Ratio: A comparison of the two measurements that provides additional information about airflow
Multiple attempts may be performed to ensure the results are accurate and reproducible.
What Can Pulmonary Function Testing Identify?
Pulmonary function testing can identify abnormal breathing patterns or changes in respiratory function that may require additional evaluation.
Changes in lung function can be associated with workplace exposures, non-occupational factors, and respiratory conditions. A screening test alone does not necessarily determine the cause of an abnormal result.
When appropriate, employees with abnormal findings may be referred for additional medical evaluation.
Pulmonary Function Testing and Respirator Clearance
Pulmonary function testing and respirator medical clearance are related occupational health services, but they are not the same thing.
Before an employee is required to use a respirator, OSHA requires a medical evaluation to determine whether the employee is medically able to wear one. Pulmonary function testing may be requested as part of that evaluation when determined appropriate by the evaluating healthcare provider.
Employees may also require a respirator fit test, which is a separate procedure used to confirm that a specific tight-fitting respirator creates an adequate seal against the employee's face.
Patient Plus can help employers coordinate these related occupational health services when needed.
Why Choose Patient Plus?
Patient Plus provides efficient occupational health services designed around the needs of employers and their employees.
Our occupational medicine services include:
- Pulmonary function testing and spirometry
- Respirator medical evaluations
- Respiratory fit testing
- DOT and non-DOT physical exams
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Workplace injury care
- Employer reporting and documentation
With convenient locations and extended hours, we make it easier for employers to complete required testing while minimizing employee downtime.
Request Pulmonary Function Testing
Whether you need baseline testing, ongoing respiratory surveillance, or testing for a specific workplace requirement, our Occupational Medicine team can help. Call 225-376-2601 or complete the form below to get started.